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The bronze-coloured corona of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

No. 52 Top 100 Most Visited Art Museums 2025 · 1,400,000 visitors in 2025

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Washington, D.C., United States · City guide: Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian museum of African American history, culture and art on the National Mall.

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Photo: Mondoo59, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is No. 52 in The Art Newspaper's survey of the world's most visited art museums, with 1,400,000 visitors in 2025, down 13% on 2024. Part of the Smithsonian Institution, it opened in 2016 on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Its building, designed by David Adjaye with the Freelon Group and Davis Brody Bond, is wrapped in a bronze-coloured metal lattice, the 'corona'. Inside, history galleries below ground and culture and community galleries above tell the story of African American life, history and culture.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall
The National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall. Photo: DestinationFearFan, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to visit

Arrive at opening time or on a weekday. Free timed-entry passes may be required at busy times; check the official website before you go.

Highlights & collections

  • 1

    History galleries

    A chronological journey that begins several levels below ground, in the 15th century, and rises towards the present day.

  • 2

    Musical Crossroads

    African American music, from spirituals and jazz to hip-hop, including Chuck Berry's red Cadillac.

  • 3

    Visual art

    Paintings, sculpture and photographs by African American artists.

  • 4

    Contemplative Court

    A quiet room where water falls from a circular opening in the ceiling.

  • 5

    Sweet Home Café

    The museum's restaurant, serving regional dishes.

Getting there

The museum is at 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, next to the Washington Monument. The nearest Metro stations are Smithsonian and Federal Triangle.

Visiting tips

Tickets & hours
Entry is free. Check the official website for timed-pass rules and hours.
Time needed
At least three hours; the history galleries alone can take half a day.
Currency
US dollar (USD). Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is customary: around 18–20% in sit-down restaurants and a dollar or two per drink in bars.
Visa & entry
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (including the UK, most EU countries, Australia and Japan) need an approved ESTA before they travel; most other visitors need a visa. Canadian citizens generally need neither for a short visit. Apply only on the official site esta.cbp.dhs.gov and check travel.state.gov for the current rules.

Official information: National Museum of African American History and Culture (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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